Harbin Snow Town Travel Guide

Overview

Nestled in the mountains of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Snow Town (Xuexiang) is a magical winter destination renowned for its breathtaking snow landscapes. Located in Hailin City, Mudanjiang, approximately 280km from Harbin, this winter wonderland transforms into a fairy tale kingdom from November 17, 2025 to early March 2026.

The town's most distinctive feature is its unique "snow mushroom" formations, created by the area's special climate conditions. With an average snow depth of 2 meters and consistent snowfall throughout the season, Snow Town offers visitors an unforgettable winter experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

Must-Visit Attractions

Bangchui Mountain Fairy Tale Forest (New in 2025)

This newly opened attraction features over 400 snow mushroom sculptures and a 1:1 replica of the popular "Boonie Bears" village. Visitors can stroll through a 120-meter lantern corridor adorned with more than 3,000 red lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere day and night.

Don't miss the daily penguin parade at 10:00 and 15:00, offering unique interactive photo opportunities. For thrill-seekers, the 180-meter rainbow sled track provides excitement during the day and transforms into a spectacular light show after dark.

Xueyun Avenue

Stretching 498 meters, Xueyun Avenue is the main street of Snow Town, lined with traditional wooden houses decorated with red lanterns. This iconic street offers the best photo spots during the morning hours (7:00-9:00) when the soft light enhances the snow's texture, or during the "blue hour" (17:30-18:30) when the sky casts a magical blue hue over the white landscape.

Every evening, free Yangge dance performances showcase traditional Chinese folk dances, and local vendors offer delicious snacks like frozen pears, persimmons, and sticky rice cakes.

Dream Home

Dream Home is famous for its iconic snow mushroom viewing area, where perfect snow formations create a surreal landscape. After dark, a night light show from 17:30 to 20:00 illuminates the snow mushrooms, creating an even more magical atmosphere.

Visitors can experience a traditional Northeast Chinese kang bed, a heated platform used for sleeping and keeping warm in cold weather. Daily water-sprinkling into ice performances at 10:00 and 15:00 demonstrate how locals create beautiful ice formations by sprinkling water in the freezing temperatures.

Yangcao Mountain

For the best sunrise viewing in Snow Town, head to Yangcao Mountain, where the golden light of the rising sun (best viewed from 6:30-7:00) transforms the snow-covered landscape into a shimmering wonderland. Adventure seekers can enjoy snowmobile rides (20 minutes) or explore the 5km hiking trails that take approximately 2.5 hours to complete.

Be prepared for extreme cold, as temperatures on the mountain can drop to -30°C with wind chill. Proper winter gear is absolutely essential for this adventure.

Unique Experiences

Harbin Snow Town offers a variety of unique experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Immerse yourself in local culture by attending the National Yangge Dance Competition held on weekends from December to January, featuring colorful costumes and energetic folk dances.

After dark, the town transforms into a magical wonderland with snow discos, spectacular fireworks shows at 21:00 daily, and mesmerizing laser performances that light up the snow-covered landscape.

Warm up with hearty local cuisine, including iron pot stew (a traditional one-pot meal), braised pork with vermicelli, and unique frozen fruits like pears and persimmons that become sweet and refreshing snacks in the cold weather.

Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture stunning winter landscapes, including the 15-meter tall giant snowman, the famous "网红 moon lamp" (internet-famous moon lamp), and the immersive 3D snow wall that creates incredible photo opportunities.

Practical Information

Transportation

From Harbin, direct shuttle buses depart daily at 8:00 from Central Avenue, taking approximately 3.5 hours to reach Snow Town. Within the resort, free shuttle buses connect major attractions, making it easy to get around.

For a more comfortable experience, consider the VIP option: a luxury商务车 service with an English-speaking driver, which can be booked via the official WeChat mini-program.

Accommodation

In the core area of Snow Town, the 4-star Xueyun Hotel offers convenient accommodation right on the main street. For budget travelers, Erlanghe Village guesthouses provide more affordable options, located just 15 minutes away by shuttle.

For a truly unique experience, book the snow igloo experience in Dream Home, but be sure to reserve at least one month in advance as these popular accommodations fill up quickly.

Essential Tips

Proper winter gear is essential for visiting Snow Town. Make sure to bring -30°C rated clothing, anti-slip boots, thermal gloves, and other cold-weather accessories to stay warm and comfortable.

Take advantage of the official WeChat mini-program for tickets, luggage storage, and to submit complaints if needed. Look for "有事找我" staff with orange badges if you need assistance during your visit.

English signage is available throughout Snow Town, and multilingual guides are available to help international visitors navigate the resort and make the most of their experience.

Service Upgrades 2025

For the 2025-2026 season, Snow Town has implemented several service upgrades to enhance the experience for international visitors. These include international passport scanning at ticket gates for quick and convenient entry, free ginger tea stations available from 8:00-20:00 throughout the resort to help visitors stay warm, and a lost & found service with English support.

In addition, accessible facilities for wheelchairs have been added at main attractions, making Snow Town more inclusive for all visitors. These improvements demonstrate Snow Town's commitment to providing an exceptional experience for international travelers.